Learning and Teaching in 1/2RG

Melbourne Zoo Excursion 

1/2RG loved our excursion to Melbourne Zoo. We thoroughly enjoyed participating in the ‘Wild Lab’ program which was taken by zoo keeper Georgia. In the program, we had the opportunity to become wild scientists and learn more about animals in the exciting outdoor laboratory. Using the power of inquiry, we investigated the features and basic needs of animals. We learnt about how animals grow and change and how we can respect and care for them. 

Some highlights from the students:

• Arianna - “My favourite part of the excursion was when we got to make habitats for toy animals in the wild lab. I also liked the meerkats because they stood up on their legs.”
• Henry - “My favourite part was seeing the orangutans because they were really funny. One of the orangutans was trying to hide under a blanket.”
• Catelyn - “I liked seeing the snow leopards because they are just like big cats. They looked cute and cuddly but I’m sure they’re not.”
• Oscar - “My favourite part was seeing the lions. They are big cats and they don’t really get along with other predators that eat meat like them because other predators can steal their food.”
• Ana - “I loved seeing the zebras and the orangutans. The orangutans were doing tricks.” 
• Alice - “I liked seeing the butterflies in the butterfly enclosure. One landed on my bag!”
• Miles - “I liked seeing the gorillas. I loved listening to the zoo keeper talk about gorillas. The keeper  told us that one of the gorillas puts his hands on his ears. He learnt this from his mum. She would cover her ears because she didn’t like loud sounds.” 
• Dilum - “I liked seeing the elephants because they are very big and strong.” 
• Noella - “I liked seeing the orangutans because they are cute and fluffy.” 
• Clara - “My favourite animal was the lion because it’s mane was so fuzzy. I liked when it yawned and I saw all of its pointy teeth.” 
• Theodore - “I liked seeing the snow leopard sleeping on the rocks. It was blending into its surroundings so it took a long time for us to be able to spot it in its enclosure.”
• Matthew - “My favourite animal was the orangutans. One of the babies was trying to steal the other orangutan's food. It was so funny.”
• Camila - “I liked the butterfly enclosure. I was a bit scared at first because I didn’t like the butterflies touching me. They were so colourful and beautiful though.” 
• Philip - “I liked seeing the spider monkeys. I liked how they were jumping around. They were very funny.” 
• Karla - “I loved seeing the orangutans because they were funny and cute.” 
• Marco - “I liked seeing the lions because they are one of my favourite animals. They looked very cute.”
• Imogen - “My favourite animal was the orangutans. I liked seeing the one that was hiding under the blanket.” 
• Lauren - “My favourite part was seeing the snow leopard because it was really fluffy and cute.”